Cathay Cargo has extended its Air-Land Fresh Lane for perishables into Macao, enabling imports via Hong Kong under a single air waybill, reports London's Air Cargo News.

The process is expedited by a transshipment certificate from Hong Kong Customs and Excise. Consignees can receive goods within four hours of the aircraft landing at Hong Kong International Airport.

The first shipment to Macao in late May carried live blue lobsters from Wales, weighing over 220kg. The cargo crossed the Hong Kong-Macao bridge under a single air waybill, with trucks assigned flight numbers for the process.

Cathay Cargo stated that Macao's premium tourism, retail, and casino sectors create strong demand. 'Macao has more than 40 five-star hotels, many with high-end international restaurants,' said Frank Yau, head of cargo sales for Hong Kong and the GBA.

Cathay Cargo first utilized the Air-Land Fresh Lane last September to move perishables across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. In April, it also enabled premium imports to be shipped by sea from HKIA to Dongguan.

Demand via Zhuhai has been strong, with regular shipments of chilled seafood and fruit. Mr. Yau mentioned that the extension to Macao demonstrates cooperation with partners, including Airport Authority Hong Kong, which is subsidizing the service.

Cathay Cargo emphasized that such developments will help Hong Kong retain its position as the world's busiest air cargo hub and gateway to the Greater Bay Area.